Set up in 2004, the Machangulo S.A. property development company plans to build 120 holiday homes, a 200-bed hotel and two 20-bed holiday parks on the Machangulo Peninsula, about 40 minutes flight from the capital Maputo. Prince Willem-Alexander, along with other investors, wants to have completed the project within five years. The property development company also plans to improve the quality of life for local people by building schools and hospitals.

Criticisms and questions
The project has been criticised by the Dutch media and led to questions in the lower house of parliament. Critics say the promised infrastructure and aid to local people has not materialised and the environment has been damaged. Last weekend, the House of Orange Association called on the prince to withdraw from the project. However, almost all the local residents that RNW spoke to are in favour of Machangulo S.A. as it provides at least some work as well as a hospital and school classrooms.

The director of the property development scheme, Alberto Luis Magaia, who has never before given an interview to the Dutch media, acknowledges that more social amenities could be provided but adds, "something is better than nothing".

A member of the Machangulo S.A. Board of Directors, Rob Garmany, had said the royal couple were building two villas for their own use, one to be located on the coast and a second to be built overlooking one of the lakes. However, Mr Garmany has since denied that two separate properties are involved.

Opportunities
Engineer Roland Brouwer, a Dutch national working at a university in Maputo, accompanied RNW to Machangulo. Mr Brouwer did research on the peninsula in the 1990s. He said he was amazed by the rapid development that has taken place, "you can't force people to keep living from the sea. People look for opportunities and you have to offer them chances".